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- PFO Newsletter - 5.8.24
PFO Newsletter - 5.8.24
I haven’t shared this publicly because I’m still traumatized and to be honest, a tad embarrassed.
On Friday night, after a busy day of work, school pickups and sports events, I was driving home and I hit my sweet little dog, Addy, with my car. Right in front of our house.
Literally, the worst feeling.
Addy must have a million guardian angels because despite weighing just 6 pounds, she only has a fractured pelvis. Yes, it’s still terrible. But, I was bracing for the absolute worst. Thank GOD for great emergency vets on a Friday night.
She’ll be on pain meds for some time and is on strict orders of cage rest 24/7. Though, I move her to her little dog stroller during the day so she can be near us.
I felt HORRIBLE. Like, next level guilt about it. But, my 16-year-old daughter told me, “Mom, don’t beat yourself up, it was an accident and it could have happened to anyone.” 😭
When your kids repeat what you’ve tried instilling in them (forgiving oneself, giving yourself grace, extending that to others, etc.), it is incredibly comforting. And, a great reminder that we can learn from the young people in our life.
Speaking of my daughter, she went to her first prom and ‘tis the season for teen drinking, right? 🍺 It’s a hot topic in so many households right now. And honestly, John (hubby) and I have different experiences and views of alcohol around our kids. I grew up taking my first sip of beer on my dad’s lap at age 5 and never really abused it because I never saw my parents abuse it. Conversely, John didn’t take a sip until his 20’s because his grandfather was an alcoholic and drank himself to death.
We’re talking about teen drinking and substance use (weed, drugs, vaping, etc) on the podcast this week with expert Jessica Lahey and tackling a lot of your questions, including “should you give your kids a safe space to drink?” It’s a fascinating conversation as we discuss the science of what it’s really doing to their brains and what the research says as to how many kids are actually using.
What do you think about giving them a “safe space” to drink?
Should Your Kids Have a "Safe Space" to Drink? |
As you wrap up your week, I’d like to encourage you to give yourself some grace, just like my daughter reminded me to do after last Friday’s accident. Wherever you are in life, whatever you’re going through. You are human. Be kind to yourself. And, pass it on to someone else this week that could use it, too.
Grateful for all of you,
Paula
FARIS FAVORITES 🤎
Last Minute Gift Ideas for Mom!
1. A Shirt She’ll Actually Wear 👕
Who doesn’t love a funny mom tee-shirt, right, Bruh?
2. Help Mom Get Some Beauty Rest 💤
For the mom who is desperate for just a few more minutes of sleep, even if the sun is shining, this weighted sleep mask is a dream (literally!)
3. The BEST Sunscreen ☀️
A multi-tasking sunscreen? Yes please! Supergoop! Glow Screen is SPF 40, PLUS it doubles as a primer for dewy skin. It has hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5, and Niacinamide.
THE PAULA FARIS SHOW 🎙️
 Should You Give Your Kids A “Safe Space” To DrinkWe’re answering your questions about teen drinking and substance abuse because it’s a topic that you’re asking us to talk about and a topic that is causing a lot of tension in your homes. We’re going to tackle all your questions, and we’re going to bust some myths about it in the process. |  What To Do When You’re Caring For Your Kids and Your ParentsThere’s a term for the stage of life when you’re caring for your kids and your parents. It’s called ‘The Sandwich Generation’, when you’re sandwiched between caring for your kids and your parents. Caring for our parents is an honor, but it can also be a big stressor. I hope this conversation helps you navigate what to do when caring for your kids and parents. |
Your feedback from last newsletter’s poll…
In our last poll, a whopping 56% of you believe that all kids should play youth sports…and 36% said no. Here are some of your thoughtful comments:
➡️ They learn so much more than just the sport - how to communicate, handle adversity, think under pressure, work together with people you may not like, and so many more valuable life skills.
➡️ As a presenter in schools and a brain coach, I agree that movement is essential to overall brain and physical health, but all kids are not interested in sports. All kids need extracurricular, whether it is sports, music, art, cooking, etc. We must help kids find what they love!
➡️ I think they need to have the chance to try them and see if a certain sport is for them. I also believe the hardships and triumphs help them in life. You can be a team leader even if you are not the star player.
➡️ A lot of parents force their children into sports because they loved the sport. I believe that when they are littles you introduce them to a variety of things. If they show an interest in playing then keep it up without yelling at them if they make an error. Support them, cheer them on and most importantly ask them after the game or practice if they are having fun 🤩.
➡️ I have seen numerous examples of sports damaging a child’s self esteem. I believe it is up to the parents to know your child. Every child is different and the gifts within that child is different.
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